Formation and structure of aluminium alkyl phosphates

Aluminium alkyl phosphates (AlAPs) synthesized by the reaction of Al(NO3)(3 ). 9H(2)O with monohexyl, monooctyl or monodecyl phosphates in aqueous medi a have been characterized by various means. The XRD patterns of the AlAPs s howed one strong and two weak diffraction peaks at 2 theta<15 degrees. The plate-like AlAP particles prepared using octyl phosphate gave rise to latti ce patterns having uniform alternating spacings of ca. 1.1 and 1.5 nm. When treated at 1000 degrees C, AlAP samples were converted into tridymite AlPO 4. The Al/P molar ratios of AlAP samples approximated to unity and their ch emical formula can be written as (ROPO3)Al(OH). 1.2H(2)O. These facts sugge st that the AlAPs are composed of alternating bimolecular layers of alkyl p hosphates and a hydrated aluminium phosphate phase.